State Parliament has passed the Veterinary Practice Bill 2021, the first major modernisation for the profession in more than 50 years.
The legislation replaces the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1960 and updates the regulation of veterinary medicine in Western Australia to bring the veterinary profession into line with other Australian jurisdictions.
It paves the way for national recognition of veterinarians registered in other Australian jurisdictions, as recommended by the Australian Productivity Commission.
Minister for Agriculture and Food, Alannah MacTiernan said the changes removed barriers to veterinarians working across State borders, facilitating the movement of professionals from interstate to assist in emergencies.
“A restriction that only veterinarians could own veterinary practices has also been removed to align with National Competition Policy principles,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“Western Australia will now join most other jurisdictions to allow the corporatisation of veterinary practices, similar to the medical and pharmaceutical industries,” she said.
The Minister said in an Australian first, the legislation would result in the State introducing registration of veterinary nurses, recognising the important role and significant responsibilities of this profession.
“Under the new legislation, the Veterinary Surgeons’ Board of WA will be replaced by a Veterinary Practice Board of Western Australia, with a new constitution and membership to regulate the practice of veterinary medicine in WA,” she said.
“The new laws will allow professional misconduct matters to be dealt with more efficiently by the board.”
Ms MacTiernan said the board would also be given powers to deal with impairment issues, such as substance abuse or dependence and mental or physical impairment, separate to complaints and discipline, to allow for a more compassionate approach to dealing with these sensitive issues.
